Assumptions, or warrants, are one of the five essential parts of a rational discussion. Language commonly refers to these typically friendly discussions as 'arguments'. An assumption is the belief that something is true or false without providing any evidence to back it up. Usually, assumptions arise whenever two or more people are discussing any topic, even if they are unaware of them. Assumptions that distort the question or any of its responses will defeat a rational solution. People could be arguing over nothing, as they both agree on the principle, but they were operating under a false assumption. Consequently, they both may agree on something that they should not agree on because they have made assumptions about the other person's argument. The following are some of the common problems with assumptions:
(Under construction, please be patient.)